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There are two beach areas to stay Palm and Eagle. Bucuti on Eagle is couples only, but very quiet. Palm beach has all the water sports and high rise hotels. We stayed at the Marriott and thought it was great. The Hyatt and Radisson are very nice hotels also. We did not feel threatened there, but we weren't out partying till all hours. We were there with our kids.
I don't think Aruba is a dangerous place. I just think an unfortunate incident happened there.(That could happen anywhere) Hopefully, they will find some answers soon to this situation.

To be honest, I don't think you should count on tourists cancelling their plans left and right. Recent news reports indicate that's not happening. But be on the lookout for specials if you are picking Aruba because you want a good deal.

Doug
Beg to differ with you on your response. If you go to Google news, type in Aruba and search--well there are articles regarding tourists cancelling trip plans. It appears that this is definitely affecting tourism in Aruba, mainly because people think there is a cover up going on. Just my 2 cents.
Carol

It seems clear that many people are abandoning their Aruba plans. Based on the news and the seemingly inefficient process going on in the missing person case, it's quite understandable.

If I was going on vacation this week, I don't think I'd want to be in Aruba where they're searching the water in front of hotels and the beach in the hopes that the poor girl will be found. That would be a little weird to be there IMHO.

I think there are some very vocal Americans who are talking a lot about boycotting Aruba, but I've seen little evidence so far that tourism is actually down in any dramatic and sudden fashion. (I agree that right now doesn't seem to be the best atmosphere for a vacation there.) But my advice for frenchtoile is really more practical; if tourism does decline, then Aruba hotels and airlines will be discounted and some deals will start appearing this summer. It's unlikely that those deals will continue through the holiday season because Aruba has a very strong and consistent following, but just look at the dates and if you see a bargain, then book it. I suspect whatever downturn there might be in tourism will be relatively short-lived unless Aruba really does develop a much more extensive problem with crime.

Thank you Doug. I do however think that the *Fodors Editor* by your name must play a part of the very positive outlook on Aruba.

I'm sure Fodors only wants to see the best of tourism in every part of the world.

I don't plan on waiting until Nov. to book Aruba. I definitely think there will be deals running this summer. In fact I've been on line and a month ago the rooms in two hotels tha I checked out were $550 a night. The exact room this week is $200. Quite a change!

I try to follow Travel Weekly on these kinds of issues, and they are reporting that travel agents haven't seen a large number of cancellations yet. I'm actually not so gung-ho about Aruba or in promoting tourism there. My job isn't to promote tourism to a particular country but rather to help make people's vacations as good as possible. I think the Aruba police force has bungled the investigation, but certainly no more so than any small-town police department does when confronted with a serious, high-profile case that isn't in their typical area of expertise (look at Boulder, CO, and the Jon-Benet Ramsey case). People tend to blow these things out of proportion and turn them into "causes" when they aren't really signifying any big trend.

Thanks for the site, will have to get logged on to read. In the mean time, if you try the google news, put in "aruba tourism" and search, you can read those articles. My post is directed towards my reading different reports than you stated.

Whats going on in Aruba is a terrible thing. But it is confined to this incident, and not a high crime island at all. I could see not wanting to go when there are reporters all over the place. But long term no way, look for the bargins and jump on them with peace of mind. People make poor choices with bad results in many different places. As a life long New Yorker noththing keeps people from visiting NYC and look at there record.

frenchtoile,
I agree with your last post. The truth of the matter is sad and tragic events DO affect tourism, either short or long term. My only disagreement was Doug saying news reports do not indicate this. This just isn't so.
Would I be afraid to go now or later? no not really. Actually wish i could take advantage of good rates too. All of our trips are planned this year and up to next April (4 Carib trips) Good luck on getting a terrific rate.

As little appeal as a place like Aruba might have for me, I have to agree that villifying the place because of the most recent horrible events is not fair. Bad things happen everywhere because (1) S__t happens and (2) bad people are everywhere, even an island paradise. Can't hide at home either, most accidents occur at home. Bottom line seems to be cherish everyday with your loved ones.

Hi Frenchtoile -
I would say go for it - I was in Aruba with my now husband around Christmas 2003 and loved it. There was a relaxed festive atmosphere and the weather was perfect as usual. We were also there in April 2005 and it was just as nice as we remembered but a little more crowded than December. I would say stay at the Hyatt or Radisson on Palm Beach, they are the nicest in my opinion. I feel sorry for this girl and her family but this situation would not steer me away from Aruba.

I would skip Aruba, simply because the Dutch are clearly protecting the kid who was last seen with this girl. What atrocious behaviour by the Europeans, and it's only going to hurt the people who live on the island. Well, I guess some thing never change.